Automakers use Chicago Auto Show to show off more than trucks

The Chicago Auto Show is the nation's largest, with more than 1 million square feet of displays. It traditionally has been a truck-focused show. But more automakers are using the show to unveil performance models and commercial models.

The performance segment draws younger buyers -- especially men for vehicles that are more profitable than the non-performance versions. Even mainstream vehicles like the Ford Focus and Fiesta are getting performance ST versions, but they won't account for more than about 5 percent of total brand sales.

Chrysler Group LLC's performance SRT brand said it is expanding to the Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Chrysler 300 SRT8, in addition to the Charger SRT8 Super Bee and SRT Viper.

"With exclusive content, including the standard premium 'Ballistic' cloth interior from the new SRT Viper, SRT-tuned sport suspensions and distinctive exterior accents, the new Challenger SRT8 and 300 SRT8 'Core' models are designed and built with the back-to-basics performance driving enthusiast in mind," said Ralph Gilles, president and CEO, SRT Brand and Motorsports.

Nissan Motor Co.'s showed its new 2013 Juke Nismo -- "the complete performance makeover" of the crossover -- and a 2014 370Z Nismo.

The two Nismo models are part of an expansion of Nissan's Nismo performance brand worldwide. Nissan is also unveiling a higher-performance version of the 2014 Nissan GT-R, the limited-production GT-R Track Edition.

"Nismo brings a new level of performance to the Nissan brand, reinforced by its heritage as the racing heartbeat of the company," said Simon Sproule, Nissan's corporate vice president, global marketing communications. "With the global expansion of Nismo-branded products like the new Juke Nismo and 370Z Nismo, we want to make Nismo the most recognized and respected performance brand from Japan."

Nissan says the Nismo models offer cutting-edge performance, technology and aerodynamics. The Juke Nismo will go on sale in March.

It has about 100 new components including a new turbo engine, new interiors and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Volkswagen AG announced at the show it will offer the performance R-Line trim on another model for the U.S. market. The Beetle Convertible R-Line will be joining the Beetle R-Line coupe, Tiguan R-Line and Touareg R-Line.

VW is also introducing a new Beetle GSR -- harkening back to the sportiest version of the classic Volkswagen Beetle, which made its debut 40 years ago.

VW is paying homage to the 1973 model with the unveiling of the 2014 Beetle GSR. In yellow and black, just like its predecessor, the GSR also debuts an updated version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder TSI engine. This engine will be fitted to the Jetta GLI and Beetle Turbo during the 2013 model year, boosting their power by 10 hp.

And VW is offering two limited-edition models for the GTI for the 2013 model year -- the GTI Wolfsburg Edition and GTI Driver's Edition

Just 2000 Wolfsburg Edition models and 3000 Driver's Edition vehicles will be sold in the U.S.

Kia Motors Corp. unveiled its Cross GT concept, a new luxury hybrid crossover, a potential vehicle that would be bigger than the Sorento.

"The Cross GT, with its raised stance and large cargo area, allows us to envision the GT in the form of a full-size luxury crossover," said Peter Schreyer, Kia's president and global chief of design.

Not everything at the show was performance-oriented. Chrysler and Nissan both announced new commercial vehicles at the show as well.

Chrysler unveiled the 2014 Ram ProMaster, a purpose-built, full-size van based on the Fiat Ducato, which has been in production for more than 30 years. "As Ram takes a larger presence in the commercial truck market, the 2014 Ram ProMaster is a great addition, contributing to a one-stop shop of commercial-duty Ram trucks and vans," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO of the Ram Truck Brand.

Nissan showed off a its new 2013 NV200 Compact Cargo Van.

More than 41/2 feet shorter in length and 21/2 feet lower in height compared to the Nissan NV 2500/3500 High Roof Cargo Van, the new NV200 is aimed at a growing number of small business owners and fleet operators wanting smaller, more efficient work vans.

"For many years businesses have bought large vans simply because that's what was available," said Joe Castelli, vice president, Nissan Commercial Vehicles and Fleet. We're now able to offer vehicles for nearly every business need."